Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

The hotel offers a distinctive tropical paradise ambiance, characterized by its lush grounds, exotic birds, and serene koi ponds, creating a memorable Hawaiian-like escape. This unique setting, combined with its prime location nestled directly on the bay and just a short walk from the ocean, makes it an ideal choice for families seeking engaging activities and easy beach access. Couples also find it perfect for a relaxing getaway, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and convenient access to dining. Sightseers and business travelers appreciate the central location for exploring the area and attending events. Guests consistently praise the exceptional staff service and the spaciousness of the accommodations. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a recently renovated room, as some older units are noted, and be aware that certain amenities, while available, might be subject to additional resort fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a wide array of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. The heated pool is a popular highlight, described as nice and spacious with ample lounge chairs and a lively atmosphere, often featuring music. A large, inviting hot tub offers a relaxing retreat after a day of activities. For those seeking wellness, a well-equipped fitness center is available, and the spa receives high praise for its excellent and relaxing massage services. Families particularly enjoy the free arcade room, which keeps children entertained. Many rooms feature a convenient kitchenette, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and basic dishes and cutlery, allowing for in-room meal preparation. Guests can also unwind by fire pits or explore the bay with water toy and bike rentals. However, some guests note that the elevators can be slow, dated, or occasionally out of service, leading to wait times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is somewhat mixed, though many appreciate the spaciousness of the accommodations. Most guests find their rooms to be clean upon arrival, with some even describing them as spotless, and praise the comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer appealing bay or ocean views and convenient balcony or patio access. However, a recurring theme is that the rooms, particularly in the tower, appear dated with worn furniture and stained carpets, leading to a perception of being old or tired. Some guests report a noticeable musty smell in their rooms. Noise can also be an issue, stemming from events on the grounds, construction, or utility carts. Additionally, some bathrooms are described as small or having poor drainage, and there are occasional reports of housekeeping inconsistencies, such as missed cleanings or failure to replace amenities.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several on-site dining options, generally receiving positive remarks for their quality. The main restaurant is frequently praised for its delicious food, great ambiance, and appealing bay views, with many guests highlighting specific dishes like sushi and snapper. The bar is also a popular spot, noted for its good drinks and friendly bartenders, creating a pleasant atmosphere for evening relaxation. For quick bites and morning refreshments, the coffee shop provides convenient grab-and-go items, including tasty iced coffee and cinnamon buns. Breakfast is described as very nice with good options. However, feedback on service can be mixed; some guests report that restaurant service can be slow or that staff appear overwhelmed, leading to uncleared tables in the bar area. While the food quality is generally high, some find the snacks at the coffee shop to be mediocre, and a few specific dishes have been described as underwhelming.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering the best of both worlds. Situated directly on the bay, guests enjoy immediate access to serene waters, a sandy beach area, and a scenic walking path, ideal for leisurely strolls or bike rides. The ocean and its bustling boardwalk are just a short walk across the street, providing easy access to a different coastal experience. This prime position places guests within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and local attractions, making exploration convenient without the need for a car. The hotel is also well-connected to major freeways, facilitating travel to broader San Diego sights like Old Town and La Jolla. While parking is available in a dedicated structure, guests frequently note that it incurs an additional fee. Some guests also mention that the bay water is not ideal for swimming due to algae.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service generally receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, setting a welcoming tone for the stay. Guests particularly commend the reservations team for their exceptional knowledge, patience, and willingness to go above and beyond in assisting with bookings and special requests. The valet service is noted for its professionalism and efficiency. While most interactions are positive, some guests report mixed experiences with housekeeping, citing occasional inconsistencies such as missed cleanings, late service, or failure to replenish all amenities. Similarly, while many restaurant and bar staff are praised, a few instances of less attentive or impersonal service have been mentioned. Despite these minor points, the dedication of the staff to providing a positive guest experience is a consistent highlight.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a resort fee that is applied, which covers certain amenities and services, though some guests express surprise at this additional charge upon arrival. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, and guests enjoy interacting with the various resident animals on the property, including parrots, koi fish, and a friendly hotel cat. The resort offers a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment, such as seasonal luaus, Polynesian dancers, and egg hunts, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. However, some guests note that certain advertised activities, like daily boat rides, are now limited. It is also worth noting that the standard check-in time is in the late afternoon, and check-out is in the late morning, which some guests find to be a short window for the cost. Occasional maintenance or construction work may occur, potentially causing some noise or disruption during the day.